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Discretionary Housing Payments

Discretionary housing payments

The discretionary housing payment scheme is a limited amount of money that the Government allows Burnley Borough Council to spend supporting claimants who are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but where the amount they are receiving does not cover the full rent they are charged.

There are strict rules governing the administration of the discretionary housing payments scheme. You cannot be considered for a payment if:

You have not qualified for any housing benefit/housing costs at all

The shortfall is due to additional amounts being charged for arrears and/or court costs

The shortfall is due to additional amounts being charged for services that are ineligible for housing benefit e.g. fuel charges, meals etc

The help you require is in respect of other bills and not rent

The help you require is due to reductions in any benefit as a result of jobseekers sanctions, Child support sanctions or sanctions following certain offences

The help you require is a result of your housing benefit/housing costs being suspended

If you are unable to access the website or have additional needs, we can supply a paper form from our Contact Burnley offices on Parker Lane, Burnley, however if you apply online we can process your application faster than if you apply using a paper form.

What evidence is needed in support of your claim.

You will need to write down the reasons why you think you should be awarded a discretionary housing payment and whether you require extra help with rent.

You will also need to state how much your income and outgoings are, and provide any appropriate evidence to support your application.